By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s next generation of athletics talents will be aiming for global glory as Team Nigeria heads to Oregon, United States, for the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships scheduled to hold from August 5 to 9.
Fresh from competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, sprint sensation Miracle Ezechukwu and Commonwealth silver medallist Jessica Oji will lead the country’s challenge at the prestigious junior championship, which will bring together some of the world’s finest young athletes.
Ezechukwu, who reached the women’s 100 metres semi-final at the Commonwealth Games, will compete in the women’s 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. The youngster was also part of Nigeria’s women’s relay team that reached the final in Glasgow.
Jessica Oji arrives in Oregon in impressive form after claiming silver in the women’s shot put at the Commonwealth Games. The rising field star will compete in both the shot put and discus events as she seeks to add a world title to her growing list of achievements.
Nigeria’s squad features a blend of talented sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers and throwers eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Rosemary Nwankwo and Lucy Nwankwo will join Ezechukwu in the women’s 100m, while Success Oyibu and Tejiri Praise Ugoh are entered for the women’s 200m. Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu and Jecinta Lawrence will represent Nigeria in the women’s 400m, with Chika Bakwunye set to compete in the 100m hurdles.
The women’s 4x100m relay team includes Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu and Chika Bakwunye, while Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinta Lawrence and Success Oyibu will line up in the 4x400m relay.
On the men’s side, Gift Bright and Tejiri Godwin will contest the 100m, while Bright and Perfect Faye will compete in the 200m. David Udoh will represent Nigeria in the 400m, with Precious Opinion featuring in the triple jump.
The men’s 4x100m relay pool consists of Gift Bright, Perfect Faye, Tejiri Godwin, Precious Opinion and David Udoh.
With Oregon once again hosting a major global athletics event, the National Sports Commission has expressed confidence that the young athletes will build on the momentum created by Team Nigeria’s performances in Glasgow and continue the country’s rich tradition of producing world-class talents.
